Aledo ISD: New staff welcomed

Lynn McKinney, Interim Executive Director of Special Programs

“I can’t wait to begin meeting my kids and their parents as the school year begins,” McKinney said.

“Making sure we are ready to welcome and serve our students from day one.  There is always a great deal of work that needs to happen in special programs so we’re focused on making sure we are moving forward as a department while focusing on the services being provided at each campus...

“Special Programs is always, ‘All In’, so we’ll continue as a team to maintain our student first focus and increase communication with all stakeholders.”

Caleb Bell, Chief Facilities and Construction Officer

“I am honored to be joining the Bearcat community and such a wonderful district as Aledo ISD,” Bell said. “From afar, Aledo ISD has always seemed like a fantastic place to work and raise children, and as I’ve gone through this process, I’ve seen and learned that it’s even better than I thought. I cannot wait to help continue the goal of growing greatness throughout the district with the facilities department.”

Phil Jennings, Director of Transportation

“Managing people, things, and process flow has been something I have enjoyed most of my professional life,” Jennings said.

“[I’m excited about] becoming an Aledo Bearcat and being on a great transportation & admin team. I can’t wait to help lead an amazing group of servant hearted people who truly love students.

“I’m an all in type person — I serve God first then family and others. I really look forward to great things ahead as the transportation leader that God and Administration here has entrusted me with.”

Brian Lane, Walsh Elementary Assistant Principal

“Joining the Aledo ISD family is a true honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the incredible team at Walsh Elementary,” Lane said. “I can’t wait to meet the students, families, and staff of Walsh and to contribute to the continued excellence that makes this community so special.”

Matthew Simmons, Aledo ISD Science Coordinator

“I’m beyond excited to join the amazing team at Aledo ISD as the Science Coordinator,” Simmons said. “From the start, it’s been clear that Aledo is a place where excellence is both expected and supported — and I’m honored to help continue that tradition. I’m passionate about bringing science to life through meaningful, hands-on learning and supporting teachers in creating classrooms where curiosity leads the way. Whether it’s collaborating on instructional strategies, digging into data, or troubleshooting a lab gone slightly sideways, I’m here for it all. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated community as we continue #GrowingGreatness — one beaker, brainstorm, and breakthrough at a time.”

Jared Laginess, Aledo High School Assistant Principal

“Education is definitely my passion,” Laginess said. “I’m the child of an educator. My mom’s been in education for over thirty years and fell into it...

“I’m just really excited to work with the kids. I’m really invested not just because I wanted to work in Aledo ISD, but, in the future, my daughter and son, I have a four-year-old and an almost two-year-old, my hope is that they’ll be part of Aledo ISD, and that’s why I’m here. To help build a great place, not only for the kids in Aledo, but also for my kids.”

Leticia Esparza, Aledo High School Assistant Principal

“I’m honored to join the incredible team at Aledo High School and excited to serve a community with such a strong tradition of excellence,” Esparza said. “I look forward to supporting our students, staff, and families as we continue to grow and achieve together.”

Ashlee Hammond, Aledo Middle School Assistant Principal

“I’m incredibly excited to begin this next chapter at Aledo Middle School,” Hammond said. “As someone who grew up in Parker County and now calls Willow Park home, it’s truly meaningful to continue serving this community in a new capacity. I look forward to working alongside the amazing staff at AMS to support students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. There’s so much energy and potential in the middle school years, and I’m honored to be part of a team that gets to help shape such an important season in our students’ lives.”

Liz Shifflett, Aledo Middle School Assistant Principal

“I am deeply honored to continue serving the Aledo Middle School community, now in the role of Assistant Principal,” Shifflett said. “Throughout my 14 years in education — including the last six within Aledo ISD — I have had the privilege of working alongside outstanding educators and leaders. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated staff and supportive parents to create exceptional experiences and opportunities for all of our students.”

Brittany Smith, Associate Principal Early Childhood Academy

“I’m most excited about welcoming our youngest Bearcats to school and being part of their very first experiences in education,” Smith said. “Early childhood is such a special time, and I can’t wait to help create a joyful, nurturing, and safe environment where students love coming to school each day. I’m also really looking forward to getting to know the incredible staff and building strong relationships with families as we work together to give our students the best possible start.”